Broke student with a redlight camera ticket on the way..what to do?

[scsigurl3000]

It's trial, not trail -- but when you see the judge, they are pretty good about making payment arrangements. You can probably pay it off in two or three installments. Pay it you must, but tell them you're a student, be respectful and polite, and ask if you can pay it off when your financial aid checks come in. (I was in similar circumstances and was allowed to do that.)

And then of course, pay it on the stipulated times.

[Lauriedeee]

Originally Posted by scsigurl3000

And then of course, pay it on the stimulated times.

it's stipulated.. not stimulated..

stimulated is a whole 'nother ballgame.

[JohnAlt]

Originally Posted by oBak

Save up $500.
Go to court on your date.
Explain your situation and be respectful. Show sincere remorse for your actions.
Ask the court to work with you.

Save $50-250 depending on the judge.

Great advice.

[djxpress]

Check out this website: The Ticket Assassin: Why Fight Your Ticket?

Take some time to really read the process. I've fought 5-6 tickets, got 3-4 dismissed. You basically do a Trial by Declaration and then you can do a Trial de Novo. It's all on that website, and it works.

Though if you're contesting a red light camera, it may be a whole other argument since there's no cop to respond to the declaration. I think that fighting red light tickets, you have to go about it by saying they're unconstitutional because the company that makes the red light cameras get a kickback for each ticket. Plus, they may not be calibrated correctly. They're not supposed to go off until like 1/2 sec after the light turns red, and they're not supposed to go off if you're going under 5 mph...i.e. stuck in an intersection.

[djxpress]

Originally Posted by Beware_of_Dog

I got one once. My attorney friend of mine told me that it is like a summons to appear. It is impossible to prove that you ever received it, so just throw it away.

I wouldn't do that. You better check your name here:San Diego County Sheriff's Department

[Twinkle Toes]

OP, whatever you do, DON'T DO THIS:

"I got one once. My attorney friend of mine told me that it is like a summons to appear. It is impossible to prove that you ever received it, so just throw it away. You think with the thousands of those that are sent out weekly that they have the manpower to chase after anyone, much less everyone. I took my friends advice and never have heard another word about it. That was over 10 yrs ago now, and have never cared to indulge the whims of traffic court. I used to be one of the good guy suckers who cowed down to every petty law and ordinance, including never cheating even one dollar on my income taxes. I have quit being a fool for the government and establishment now that I am older. After becoming permanently disabled and what they put me through for a year before granting me my petty $1100 per month S.S. disability, which I paid into all my life, I have washed my hands with playing the fool any longer.

I am a safe driver and have never ever been pulled over and given a ticket in my life by a police officer. I did get flashed one other time when going about 15 over the speed limit, but was driving my friends car. Told him to ignore it if he ever got a ticket in the mail. He never said that he did. So either it never got to him, or they don't always send a ticket to everyone that sets off the flash."

Whatever "lawyer" gave out this advice had to have been smoking crack, or was not a lawyer.

There are ways to fight the ticket, but your best bet may ultimately be to show up, be contrite, and request community service in lieu of the fine, or in the alternative, a reduced fine due to financial hardship. Of course, the court will always work with you on a payment plan.

Just a hint: Go to the 40800 section of the CA Vehicle Code. I have a feeling you may just find what you need to fight your ticket without having to pay anybody to help you.

[michelle.miller544]

Thank you all for your help, honesty, and non-sarcastic remarks. Truly appreciate it. Already got the ticket in the mail and it doesn't state the fine anywhere on the paperwork. I'm going to just go to court and hope the fine is reduced. The other options and suggestions seem to risky for me personally and I'm just fine with traffic school instead of possibly losing a case and left with no options at that point. Thank you again.~Sincerely, Michelle

[PollyGlott]

Originally Posted by michelle.miller544

Thank you all for your help, honesty, and non-sarcastic remarks. Truly appreciate it. Already got the ticket in the mail and it doesn't state the fine anywhere on the paperwork. I'm going to just go to court and hope the fine is reduced. The other options and suggestions seem to risky for me personally and I'm just fine with traffic school instead of possibly losing a case and left with no options at that point. Thank you again.~Sincerely, Michelle

Be sure to let us know the outcome!
Good luck!